About the Opportunity
We're representing a prominent international construction organization with a strong footprint in the Middle East and global operations. This group delivers complex commercial, residential, infrastructure, and specialist projects through skilled teams, advanced planning, and cutting-edge approaches.
Key Impact Areas As Head of MEP, you'll spearhead the creation and leadership of this capability, ensuring seamless integration across the project lifecycle while maintaining strong commercial and operational discipline.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (Master's advantageous).
- 20+ years in large-scale MEP execution on complex projects (buildings, infrastructure, utilities).
- Track record in: in-house/self-perform MEP models, full P&L responsibility, organization launches or transformations.
- Extensive Middle East market experience is essential.
- Strong commercial acumen, execution leadership, and ability to integrate cross-functionally.
Strategic Development & Business Integration
- Lead the rollout of an in-house MEP delivery model that aligns with group-wide strategies.
- Embed MEP expertise deeply into key functions: tendering & cost estimation, detailed design & engineering, scheduling & controls, central procurement, and on-site execution.
- Maintain unified project delivery (One Team approach) avoid any isolated or subcontractor-like setup.
- Establish clear operating guidelines: scope of self-delivery vs. specialized partners, risk sharing, and robust cash management protocols.
- Champion early flagship initiatives to prove the model and drive adoption.
Commercial & Financial Accountability
- Take full ownership of the MEP P&L (revenue, margins, overheads, cash position).
- Implement disciplined financial controls: milestone payments, advance funding, internal transfer pricing, and overhead recovery.
- Deliver regular performance reporting (P&L, cash flow, risk outlook) to senior leadership.
- Ensure the unit operates self-sustainably with tight fiscal oversight.
Team & Capability Building
- Design and grow the MEP organization from leadership down: engineers, construction managers, superintendents, foremen, and workforce.
- Prioritize hiring senior talent, then scale site-based teams.
- Develop sourcing models (direct hires, strategic partners, frameworks) and set benchmarks for productivity, skills, and performance.
- Uphold local labor laws, safety standards, and group HR policies.
Supply Chain & Procurement Excellence
- Oversee integrated, timely sourcing for live projects.
- Build long-term relationships with key suppliers and vendors (materials, equipment).
- Align procurement with project timelines, cash planning, and risk strategies.
- Mitigate delays by coordinating sequencing and approvals proactively.
Execution Leadership & Oversight
- Provide senior guidance to MEP site operations across the portfolio.
- Drive adherence to schedules, quality standards, and regulatory approvals (utilities, safety authorities).
- Step in on critical or at-risk projects to protect milestones and avoid liquidated damages.
- Champion best practices: modular approaches, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
Risk Management, Governance & Controls
- Enforce rigorous governance: risk assessment, cost tracking, progress monitoring, and variation/claims handling.
- Require clear cash profiles and risk clarity before commitment.
- Prevent common pitfalls (e.g., manpower underestimation) through proactive controls.
People & Performance Culture
- Foster a high-accountability leadership team rooted in ownership, collaboration, transparency, and safety-first mindset.
- Promote a supportive, zero-blame environment focused on results and continuous improvement.
- Serve as a visible champion for MEP across the organization.
